The 2026 Free Agency Thread

[Ashburn Dave]

I've pushed back on the "no brainer" aspect of this.

skinsinparadise has pointed out even though he played 70% of his snaps outside last year, he was more effective in the slot.

They currently have a complete glut of players at slot: Williams, Lane, McCaffery (though I really don't understand why they don't try him outside). You have 3 draft picks in the last 3 years who are all primary slot guys, and then signing another guy who's best in the slot, are you really solving anything?

What they really need is another outside guy, and really more than anything at all, they need an X in the event Terry goes down. I don't think Diggs is that guy.

As much as I actively don't want him, Aiyuk might be that guy.

Which might be the hesitation on Diggs and the supposed interest in Aiyuk.

Though, I will confess to a waffle. I was on the "sign Diggs" bandwagon for quite a while until I thought about it more. Now, I'm not so sure. I wouldn't be opposed to it, but I'm also not sure it solves the biggest problem.

With Aiyuk, you at least have the possibility of solving the problem. Though, I'm really opposed to signing him. Guy has shown the maturity level of a tween girl. As the father of a tween girl, I want my close to 30 professional football players to do better than that.

I want healthy bodies at WR this year, so I'll take Diggs and then rotate him and Williams between the outside and slot.

We can then sign Aiyuk later when he becomes available and have even more options.

 

[Conn]

I get all that.

I was really just picking on your word "allowed."

He's allowed to do anything.

He chooses to be diplomatic. Which is fine and his choice, and probably not a bad one, though in this case, I think he could say literally anything and nobody would blink.

But he absolutely could have been more forceful than "strange with a capital S."

Probably saying "He's got the intellectual horsepower of a lampshade" might be a bridge to far, but he could say it if he wanted to.

Well sure, just like Albert Breer my employees have free will, and any one of them could take a dump on my desk, but it may not be good for their careers. In this context “not allowed to do X” is maybe better read as “it would be inadvisable for him to do X”

(I used a poor example for humor’s sake, it probably is not generally “allowed” to take a dump on someone’s desk, that has to be harassment or assault of some kind 😂)

 

[RedWolf]

If we go back to the Gibbs days where the front office and coaching staff are very strong and united? And the locker room is very strong? Than we can handle somebody like a modern day Dexter Manley

I would prefer we sign Diggs to a three year contract with the last year voidable. We need experience to bring up future youngins. Both Diggs and Terry are getting long in the tooth and I truly expect them to be out of it in two years max

 

[CommDownMan]

Well sure, just like Albert Breer my employees have free will, and any one of them could take a dump on my desk, but it may not be good for their careers. In this context “not allowed to do X” is maybe better read as “it would be inadvisable for him to do X”

(I used a poor example for humor’s sake, it probably is not generally “allowed” to take a dump on someone’s desk, that has to be harassment or assault of some kind 😂)

Don't shit where you(re boss) eat(s).

Your response definitely works.

 

[Discobob]

Don't shit where you(re boss) eat(s).

Your response definitely works.

If your boss is / was Dan Snyder, you have my permission to ignore this advice 👍

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

Well sure, just like Albert Breer my employees have free will, and any one of them could take a dump on my desk, but it may not be good for their careers. In this context “not allowed to do X” is maybe better read as “it would be inadvisable for him to do X”

(I used a poor example for humor’s sake, it probably is not generally “allowed” to take a dump on someone’s desk, that has to be harassment or assault of some kind 😂)

Amber Heard would like a word….

 

[prodigy]

lol Sam Monson says we have the 5th worst roster in the league. that's a bit harsh.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

lol Sam Monson says we have the 5th worst roster in the league. that's a bit harsh.

Personally, I always think people greatly undersell the effect of good coaching. With poor coaching, yes, we probably have that level if roster. I don’t know what kind of coaching we are going to have, exactly. I mean, I like what I am hearing but I have been burned by that before.

A lot will depend on these coordinators. We could end up with a bottom 5 team. We could end up with a top ten team. That is honestly how I see it (mixed with good and bad luck too). Of course, a lot also depends on JD5 staying healthy but again- even there- the coordinators play a role. Even D. A strong D makes for a more relaxed QB.

 

[CapsCommies]

I went through the last few pages of the thread, I keep on coming in and out because of work/family.

Question: has it been discussed Keim and Standig both have put out pods (and in Standig's case, multiple), somewhat implying the Commanders feel they are set at WR, and importantly, neither one of them really took a hard stance against it?

Keim put out a Pod "Why there is optimism around the O, John explains why the Commanders feel good even if they don't add another WR" and said something to the effect of, in his opinion, they didn't need another WR to be a good offense? He actually stumbled over this a few times, sometimes he said they need another WR to be a "very good" offense, and sometimes he said they could be a "very good" offense without adding anybody. It was a little unclear what he actually was saying, because he said both.

And Standig put out multiple pods on the subject, "Who comes after Terry" (June 3), "receiving threat" (June 8), and "Catching on" (June 9) where he's gone through the room, had Anthony Armstrong on to talk WRs, and also landed at the conclusion the second receiving option is probably Chig, and they can piece together the other outside guy with what they have.

They both said some form of "I think they should probably get another guy." However, they both countered that by saying they thought the team could be really good on offense even without it.

I'm separating the conversations with Mark Bullock, where he has said he believes the offense is going to focus on the middle of the field like it has in Detroit, so the slot, TE and running back are a real focus. The reasoning ends up in the same spot, however the reason I'm setting that aside is Mark Bullock is a Brit who lives in Sweden, and Al isn't a reporter, he's a host. They don't talk to people.

Keim and Standig do.

By the volume of what they are putting out, I am going to channel my inner skinsinparadise, I think they're hearing "things" from somewhere to go down this path so overtly. What exactly they are hearing and from whom, I'm not sure. However, both of them are going down this path at the same time. And reaching essentially the same conclusion. And that, to me, is interesting. Maybe not important, but certainly interesting.

If anything, it points to the team not doing anything now. Even if Aiyuk is released in the next 6 weeks, they might not do anything.

I wonder if the FO is trying to project confidence in the WR group to make clear to SF that they are not trading for Aiyuk, in an effort to expedite his release.

 

[DWinzit]

I wonder if the FO is trying to project confidence in the WR group to make clear to SF that they are not trading for Aiyuk, in an effort to expedite his release.

Theoretically, this makes sense. Realistically, I don't see anyone buying it

 

[skinsinparadise]

lol Sam Monson says we have the 5th worst roster in the league. that's a bit harsh.

I get it in the context of this team's weapons discussion. We're talking about Chig as if he's Travis Kelce when some evaluators don't even rank him among the top 20 tight ends in the league. And the idea that "we don't need a legitimate No. 2 receiver because we have a tight end" is odd to me, as if having a productive TE is some unique advantage that only Washington possesses. Plenty of teams have tight ends with stronger résumés than Chig, and many of those same teams still have far better receiver groups.

I like Chig. He was one of my favorite free-agent targets. But hearing people here and some in the local media point to him as the reason everyone should relax about the receiver room feels disconnected from the reality of how other rosters are built.

We let our two most productive receivers from last season walk, at least from a statistical standpoint. One of those spots is being replaced by a third-round rookie who hasn't played an NFL snap, yet some are already counting that as an automatic upgrade. Meanwhile, we're discussing a Titans receiver who couldn't stick there as an exciting answer at Z receiver.

Sometimes I think we're operating in our own bubble. Every best-case scenario being projected for this roster is certainly possible, but every team around the league is selling itself on upside too. Other teams are counting on free-agent additions to break out in new situations. Other teams have young players they believe will take the next step. Other coaching staffs think they'll unlock more from their personnel. Washington isn't unique in that regard.

That said, I do think Jayden can elevate the offense. That's where a lot of my optimism comes from. I also think the offensive line should be good. I don't agree with some of the rankings that have them in the bottom third of the league, but I also don't think we should assume it's already a top-tier unit. Good? Yes. Great? We'll see.

Defensively, I think the cornerback room is one of the weaker groups in the NFL. I know analysts like Monson and Steve Palazzolo may emphasize that position more than most because of their PFF background, but I understand the concern. On the other hand, I think the defensive line and linebacker group will be strengths, and I expect that to help produce a solid defense overall.

To me, this looks like a slightly below-average roster that has a chance to outperform expectations because of its quarterback. I don't see a bottom-five roster, but I also understand why the national media remains skeptical. Most national projections aren't calling this team average. They're calling it bad. I've seen publications pick them to finish last in the division, and a lot of early 2027 mock drafts have them selecting in or near the top 10.

The difference between my outlook and theirs is simple: I believe Jayden Daniels is good enough to drag the roster higher than where the talent alone would suggest.

 

[skinsinparadise]

In a weird way, if I took the homer position about all of this its something like this.

As Standig said recently, it really stands out how much teams like Denver, Chicago, and New England have done to surround their young quarterbacks with talent compared to Washington.

From Jayden's perspective, it has to be a little frustrating. Caleb is on the cover of Madden. Micah Parsons is calling him the best quarterback in football. Drake Maye is already getting MVP buzz, and a receiver Washington pursued chose New England because he wanted to play with Maye. Meanwhile, we just got a Good Morning Football segment talking about how Jayden has somehow become the forgotten quarterback from that class.

None of that changes how I feel about Jayden. I still think he's a stud. But it's hard to argue that his peers have been given more help and a softer landing. Washington has asked him to carry more of the load than most young quarterbacks are asked to carry.

That said, maybe there's a silver lining. While the other teams are insulating their quarterbacks with every possible weapon and advantage, Jayden is being forced to develop the hard way. Maybe that's actually beneficial in the long run. If he can thrive while working with an below average supporting cast, imagine what happens when Washington finally gives him the kind of weaponry that Denver, Chicago, and New England have already provided their young QBs.

Whether that's through finally landing someone like Brandon Aiyuk, assuming he finds his old form, and you got me if he does, this season or making a major move next offseason, I still believe the day is coming when Jayden gets that level of support. And when it does, all of this talk about being the "forgotten" quarterback could look pretty ridiculous in hindsight.

Also the national media in all its forms expecting this team to suck, might be the fuel they need. I recall Quinn being asked last summer about how different its going to be from being the hunters to being the hunted. I don't think they adjust well to being the hunted. Now they are back to being the hunters, very few nationally are taking this team even a little seriously.

 

[Boone]

The idea that we might not want Diggs because he’s better suited at slot at this point and we have slot WR covered - that seems off to me. Diggs at 50% effectiveness would easily be the best outside WR on our roster not named McLaurin and it’s not close.

 

[skinsinparadise]

The idea that we might not want Diggs because he’s better suited at slot at this point and we have slot WR covered - that seems off to me. Diggs at 50% effectiveness would easily be the best outside WR on our roster not named McLaurin and it’s not close.

Yeah with all of the talk of them liking their in house bets. I still put money, and I'd put a lot of it that Aiyuk or Diggs is signed. I much prefer Diggs. I think it will be Aiyuk.

 

[Boone]

You have to think if they wanted Diggs that deal would already have happened. So yeah, if they are going to make a move Aiyuk seems more likely especially given he is on the right side of 30.

 

[KDawg]

The idea that we might not want Diggs because he’s better suited at slot at this point and we have slot WR covered - that seems off to me. Diggs at 50% effectiveness would easily be the best outside WR on our roster not named McLaurin and it’s not close.

Or… play Diggs in the slot because he’s better than all of the slots on our roster.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I wonder if the FO is trying to project confidence in the WR group to make clear to SF that they are not trading for Aiyuk, in an effort to expedite his release.

Honest to God, I don't think so. I think, for all the reasons Keim and Standig outlined over multiple pods, they do have confidence in the group.

Whether each individual chooses to share that confidence or believe that they are a bunch of damn fools who can't see a problem sitting right in front of their face, that's up to everybody to judge.

I'm not 100% sure they're going to sign Aiyuk. They haven't said they won't, but they haven't traded for him, and there hasn't been an attributable quote to say they will, which I get there really can't be because of tampering rules. What has been reported has been "they have interest" which I've heard a lot, quite a bit from the national guys. And that could be absolutely fed to them by Aiyuk diretly, or through his agent, though I think most likely from Aiyuk. And they would all run with it because sex sells, and that's sexy. There might be some in the building who even are intrigued. But I doubt Peters has confirmed to any reporter his thoughts, and it's really possible his thoughts don't align with the rest of the building. Or, after the social media tween style tantrum over the last couple of weeks, he has soured on Aiyuk. Or maybe not, and it's just inevitable. I don't know.

My personal ideal scenario is actually he's not with the team through training camp, and they sign him after the cutdown to 53 and put him on the practice squad. That way he's not a distraction in training camp, he can take as much time as he needs while on the practice squad, and there's no pressure. When he's ready, if he's ready, he's ready. It would also be a non-guaranteed contract. I also think if he is released, if it's not us, nobody is going to sign him right away. So there's no rush.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I really find it strange that Deebo hasn't caught on anywhere. He had like 750 yards last year while playing a role he's not suited for. I'm not sure why one of the contenders didn't see him as a guy who could be used as a weapon, especially one of the Shanahan disciples. It's really weird. He was nothing but a pro's pro last year, did everything he was asked, and played really well, played out of position the entire year and still produced.

I wonder if somebody is going to nab him before training camp, or if he's going to just be available. If he doesn't get signed, that's always an "off the street" option down the road in case there are significant injuries. We know he's not the traditional WR1, but we've also seen in a pinch, he can still produce. And he actually had a really good rapport with Daniels.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

The idea that we might not want Diggs because he’s better suited at slot at this point and we have slot WR covered - that seems off to me. Diggs at 50% effectiveness would easily be the best outside WR on our roster not named McLaurin and it’s not close.

I think they want to see how things play out. I really don't think they want another slot guy. I said ages ago, if they want to sign Diggs to be the Z, then fine, do it. I'm not sure they agree with you that Diggs on the outside is better than what they have. If they did agree with that, then they would have signed him, absent they've tried and he has said he didn't want to sign yet.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

Or… play Diggs in the slot because he’s better than all of the slots on our roster.

If you're going to build through the draft, you can't draft three guys, and then give up on even the rookie and bury them behind a veteran.

I get the whole "maximize Daniels' rookie deal" thing, but they spent 3 3rd round picks (or was Lane a 4th?) on slot WRs. Including one this year. If you are giving up on all of them already, you have to be willing to at least cut McCaffery, and move on.

If you don't let guys play and develop, then you're going to constantly be looking for FAs to fill the void. It takes time, and you've got to be committed to the strategy. This is the last year for McCaffery, I'd think, to prove he can play a meaningful role on offense. Lane should be more than just a punt returner, and Williams looks like a really good prospect.

If you sign Diggs and play him as your starting slot, you've essentially given up on a year of development for McCaffery and Lane, and probably pushing Williams outside more. I'm not sure I think that's in the best long term interest, though it absolutely would probably be the best short term fix.